Tomichi Hike

If you are an avid adventurer who craves a challenge and an adrenaline rush, then we are sure you’ll love the Tomichi Hike. This hike is reserved for experienced hikers only and requires a hiking permit. Purchase the permits from the South Rim Visitors Centre the evening before your excursion or the morning of. Once you secure your permit you will have to do a safety briefing with the park ranger before taking off down the trail. This safety measure ensures that they know who is on the trail and when. The Tomichi Trail is tough and rocky, and you will likely slide on your bum down a few sections. Come prepared with plenty of water, hiking boots, and consider gloves.

By no means are we trying to scare you away from this trail, we just want to make sure you have all the information! Once you have your permit and have completed your safety briefing it is time to take to the trail! Depart from the Tomichi Point Trailhead and head east down the unmarked path. The trail has some wear, so it is easy to spot from the trailhead and few rock cairns will guide you the rest of the way. Mind your footing as you navigate down the steep rocky scree. Use trees and tree routes as support while you descend.

Continue scrambling and sliding down the trail until you are eventually rewarded with the Gunnison River and level terrain. Enjoy the perspective of the Black Canyon from the bottom and revel In the impressive grandeur of the cliffs. Soak your tired feet in the river and refuel prior to commencing your ascent.

When you are ready, retrace your steps back up the trail. Be careful of hikers behind you as you ascend the extremely steep rocky path. Gloves will come in handy as you scramble your way up the path. Once you arrive back at the parking lot be sure to alert a Park Ranger that you are off the trail.